Volvo recently released the specs on their V60 plug-in hybrid diesel calling it “the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid”.  Wrong sir, wrong!

The Audi duo was the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, not the Volvo V60  There were earlier concept cars but the 1997 Audi duo was a production car and sold to the public.

It combined a 1.9L TDI engine with a 28 hp electric motor. Only about 60 were built and they didn’t sell well due to the heavy weight and high price.  Here is an earlier post about the audi duo: http://www.evwaudi.com/2010/11/audi-first-to-have-plug-in-hybrid/

Even still, you don’t get merit points for best car on being first.  In fact, the Audi duo was a bad hybrid compared to today’s cars. The Volvo V60 has a 215 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 70-horsepower electric motor.  The electric motor only powers the rear wheels.  It can also drive about 30 miles on electric power alone.  So would I rather have the Volvo V60 or the Audi duo?  Yes the Audi duo gets points for being first but so does the first generation Prius and I wouldn’t want to own either.  For one thing, where would you get replacement parts?